Jason,
It may be a matter of semantics but I don't think you want to have your car
"sand blasted". The choice of blasting media has a great impact on the
final result. I had my car "Bead Blasted" which is an abrasive blasting
technique which uses plastic media instead of sand. The professional who
did my Spitfire said that sand could be used but it does generate heat in
the sheet metal and can cause warping. The plastic media also generates
heat but is much more forgiving to the operator.
The advantage of bead blasting is that the operator can remove only the
paint you want to have removed! There is usually no need to blast all the
paint and seam sealer off the car, just the paint you want to replace. The
media does get everywhere and the guy who did my car recommended that the
car be essentially be striped of everything. He said he had customers who
left gages in the car and the gages will collect blasting media and paint
dust which eventually destroy the gage.
The final thought on plastic bead blasting is that it does not remove heavy
rust or strong (well bonded) body filler.
Good luck!! Let us know what you end up doing.
Patrick Barber, Allen Park, MI
70 Spitfire MkIII FDU89984L
----- Original Message -----
From: Jason Tilley <jtilley@austin.rr.com>
To: <spitfires@autox.team.net>
Cc: <owner-spitfires@autox.team.net>
Sent: Sunday, August 27, 2000 11:54 AM
Subject: Body work Preparation.
>
>
>
> With all the talk about welding body panels, I'm just trying to get a
census
> on what other peoples procedures have been in the past in restoring cars.
>
> I'm wondering if it is better to
> a) get the body sandblasted
> or
> b) get the body chemically dipped
>
> Also should the areas to be replaced (rusted floors) first, or should it
be
> done after the sandblast / chemical dip? and one last question -is it
worth
> while having the frame and certain other parts Powder coated?
>
> While I realize that there is NO golden Rule, I'm just trying to get some
> input to make my restoration easier. I just pulled the body off my 76
1500,
> (very light I must add)and wanted to make life as easy as possible.
>
>
>
>
> Thanks for everyone's input,
>
> Jason Tilley.
>
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